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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Hi!
This is just another one of the seagulls.
Lesser black-backed gull
Larus fuscus
Slightly smaller than a herring gull, the lesser black-backed gull has a dark grey to black back and wings, yellow bill and yellow legs. Their world population is found entirely in Europe. After declines in the 19th century due to persecution they increased their range and numbers. This expansion has now halted and there is serious concern about declines in many parts of its range. The species is on the Amber List because the UK is home to 40% of the European population and more than half of these are found at fewer than ten sites.
Where does it live?
Breeding
Lesser black-backed gulls breed on coastal sites (sand dunes, cliff tops, and shingle banks) and on upland moors and flows. They choose either open sites or those among cover such provided by low shrubs such as heather and bracken or tall plants such as alexanders or, as in Pembrokshire, bluebells. They also nest, increasingly, in urban areas, especially on rooftops.
Wintering
Farmland, especially ploughed fields, rubbish tips and sewage works are their main feeding areas, and they roost on large bodies of water such as reservoirs.
What does it eat?
Omnivore - scavenges a wide range of food.
What does it sound like?
A deep 'kau-kau-kau-kau...' |
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